HARDINESS ZONES ARE IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND

When you’re shopping for the perfect plants, hardiness zones are important to understand. The Department of Agriculture assigns one of thirteen specific codes to different regions of the United States based on climate and geography. Hardiness zones are key to finding plants that will thrive in your region. Paying attention to which hardiness zone you live in can save you money, disappointment, and time when choosing plants for your outdoor spaces.

Weather Patterns and Seasonal Changes Affect Plants

A plant’s hardiness is determined by its ability to withstand extreme heat or cold. Each plant’s hardiness zone is based on its ability to adapt to local temperatures without harming or killing it. All plants thrive differently under different conditions so it’s important to understand which plants do best in your area. Weather patterns and seasonal variations have to be suitable for the plants you choose. Paying attention to the season-to-season changes will help you make the best landscaping choices for your garden.

Winter Temperatures Determine Hardiness Zones

Hardiness zones are determined to help us better understand which plants will best survive winters in that particular area of the country. These zones are based on average winter lows in the region. Perennials, trees, and shrubs can be fragile and die if low temperatures get too cold for them. Hardiness zones tell us how well a plant survives in colder temperatures. You don’t want to line your property with lush shrubs only to realize next spring that winter in your zone was too harsh for them to survive.

Determine What Zone You’re Actually In

Know and understand the climate you’re working in as well as you can. There is about a ten-degree difference in average temperature between each of the plant hardiness zones. Determining which zone you’re in is important to ensure you’re growing the right types of plants at the right time of year. You can use your hardiness zone information to figure out when it’s safe to start planting for the year. Planting at the right time gives you the best chance for growing success.

Find Plants That Thrive In Your Zone

Many factors affect the way plants grow, but making sure the climate is suitable for them is probably the most important. Overall climates can have a wide range so hardiness zones are helpful when learning which plants can withstand your local weather. This will help you make the most of your flower beds and maintain rows of gorgeous flowers and shrubs year after year.

3 Reasons to Pay Attention to Hardiness Zones